A librarian's mixing pot of thoughts

#CILIPconf18 Keynote – The House of Commons library: our role in supporting a thriving parliamentary democracy

I’m reflecting on the CILIP Conference 2018 I went to last week and looking back over tweets to fill in gaps in the notes I took. I’ve decided to pull together an overview of some of my favourite sessions in the form of a series of tweets from everyone there – with a few comments of my own. I hope this will extend the reach of these sessions beyond those able to attend the conference.

I was really looking forward to the first keynote from Penny Young, the House of Commons Librarian. Before the conference I knew the House of Commons had a library, but knew very little about it. I wasn’t disappointed – Penny’s talk was fascinating.

The House of Commons Library is 200 years old this year. The librarians’ key role is to ensure MPs have the impartial information they need on an incredible variety of topics. Sounds fascinating. #CILIPConf18

Just like librarians across a whole range of sectors. Providing / facilitating access to impartial information is one of our key skills.

.@PennyYoungHoC – 15th person and 3rd woman to hold the role of House of Commons Librarian. Has had an action packed 3 years at House of Commons Library – 1 Referendum, 2 Elections, and all of the accompanying work for Brexit legislation work. #CILIPConf18

Supporting MPs & advocacy

Research project asked and observed how MPs used information – used to score political points but also to inform, change minds, hold govt to account. @commonslibrary must be impartial to be trusted #CILIPconf18

Note to self: this sounds like some really interesting research that would be useful to follow up if/when I ever get around to that piece of research I want to do on information use with my service users.

The House of Commons library has a strong brand – is trusted and impartial. #cilipconf18

Enquiries and briefings

HOC library publishes briefing papers which are available both internally and to the public – these are factual, impartial briefings on a range of topics #CILIPConf18— Claire Sewell (@ces43) July 4, 2018

Data

Data management is incredibly important in the HOC but is becoming more so as it moves forward #CILIPConf18— Claire Sewell (@ces43) July 4, 2018

#CILIPConf18 Penny Young talking about how HoC are moving to a more accessible web publishing model and curating dashboards of constituency level data for MPs— Sophie Rollason (@S_Rollason) July 4, 2018

Penmy Young @HouseofCommons library speaking at #CILIPConf18. Great to hear that openness and accessibility is core to her view of her library and also how the upcoming building work is being seen as an opportunity to reimagine the library service.

What can we do?

We only have a thriving parliamentary democracy if the public feel that they can get engaged by arming themselves with information. By equipping them with information skills, we are all part of this endeavour. #CILIPConf18

.@PennyYoungHoC suggests ways to help our communities be more informed citizens: share the briefings, encourage academics to provide evidence to select committees, use HoC toolkits for events in public spaces, use school outreach opportunities #CILIPconf18

An impressive role model

#CILIPConf18 Penny Young is an impressive role model for library and information professionals. she has given us an assured, astute and articulate presentation on an important resource which underpins our democracy.

As well as learning a lot about the House of Commons Library, Penny left me feeling inspired and optimistic about our profession. And the House of Commons Library has definitely been added to my list of “Libraries I want to visit”.

Huge thanks to Penny Young and everyone whose tweets made this post possible.